M.Sc. Science Education and Communication

Science and technology are two of the most powerful drivers of 21st century society. But without a constant flow of new scientific talent into our research laboratories and our corporate R&D organisations, it is not possible to maintain our current technology-dependent society.

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Description of Science Education and Communication

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Science and technology are two of the most powerful drivers of 21st century society. But without a constant flow of new scientific talent into our research laboratories and our corporate R&D organisations, it is not possible to maintain our current technology-dependent society. And as the role of technology grows, so does the importance of clear communication to decision makers in government and industry, to the media, and to the general public about science.

TU Delft has established a unique Masters programme to prepare scientists to fill key roles as communicators linking the world of science and technology to society at large, and as educators teaching young people about science and technology.

What you will learn

The SEC MSc programme builds on a Bachelor of Science degree. Students will explore in greater depth the scientific and engineering topics they studied at the undergraduate level, while introducing them to education and science communication topics. The MSc provides students with the knowledge and skills to articulate important messages to other scientists and to a lay public. Graduates will possess the skills to design and deliver effective communication and education in the science and technology domain.

Programme tracks

Science Education and Communication offers 2 tracks:

Science Education

Graduates of the Science Education Track of the MSc in Science Education and Communication will be qualified to move into positions as teachers at the upper secondary level in one of four subjects:

Physics

Chemistry

Mathematics

Computer Science

Teachers in upper secondary education have a thorough knowledge of the field as well as specific teacher competencies. They are qualified to teach in the higher HAVO and VWO classes.

Science Communication

Students who complete the Science Communication track will have the skills and knowledge to facilitate dialogue and effective knowledge transfer between scientists and key players in industry and government. They will also be equipped to facilitate communication between the world of science and technology and society at large, thus helping society to make informed choices about technology issues and policies.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline 1 April

Tuition fee

EUR 12916 Year (Non-EEA)

EUR 1835 Year (EEA)

Tuition fees 2013/2014: EU: 1.835,- (app.) Non-EU: 12.916,- Apart from the tuition fees, the cost of living and studying in Delft is estimated to be 850,- to 1.100,- per month. This includes such things as food, accommodation, transport, books, compulsory health insurance, social life expenses and study trip costs.

Course Content

MSc Science Education and Communication - Science Communication Track

In a world where science and technology play such prominent roles, it is crucial that scientists clearly communicate with the broader public on the nature and impact of their work and the needs of the scientific community. That requires a mix of skills: a profound understanding of the underlying science as well as the ability to explain about that science in ways that policymakers and ordinary citizens can grasp and interpret.

Facilitating communication between scientific community and society

The Science Communication Track provides students with communication skills so that they can facilitate the exchange of information between scientists and key players in industry and government, and more broadly, between scientific communities and the general public. The programme teaches students how to apply existing concepts from communication theory to situations where there is a need for clarification of complex scientific concepts. It addresses as well the need to examine and communicate on the ethical issues which arise from new developments in science and technology. Read an example of these issues in this interview in TU Delta.

Science Education Track

Have you ever considered teaching your favourite subject at the secondary school level? Are you intrigued by the challenge of introducing secondary school students to the foundations of the natural sciences? Could you feel fulfilled knowing that you launched young students on the path to careers in science?

TU Delft offers the Science Education track for those who are looking for personal fulfilment by sharing their enthusiasm for science with young people. A career in teaching (or at the very least, the option to move into education) is open to those students who follow this track.

Graduates of the programme are qualified to teach one of four subjects in upper secondary education:

Physics

Chemistry

Mathematics

Computer Science

Combining the Science Education track with another Masters programme

The Science Education Track can be followed as a standard Masters programme following completion of a Bachelors degree. It can also be combined with a Masters in a field related to one of the academic subjects mentioned above as part of a double degree programme. Students who have already completed a different Masters programme can also continue their studies and earn a second Masters in Science Education. In that case, they will be required to achieve adequate command of the relevant academic subjects.

English Language Requirements

Requirements for Science Education and Communication

General requirements

1)

A. A good university BSc degree with good grades on the key courses in a main subject closely related to the MSc programme to which you are applying. Exceptions: Management of Technology, Engineering and Policy Analysis and Science Education & Communication, to which all students holding a technology or science degree may be admitted.

or

B. A proof that you have nearly completed a BSc programme whose main subject is closely related to the MSc programme to which you are applying.

2)

A BSc Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 75% of the scale maximum, or, when included, the specific requirements defined for the country in which you obtained (or are in the process of obtaining) your Bachelors degree

3)

Proof of English language proficiency (certificates older than two years are not accepted)

As the whole process of collecting information, registering for the tests and receiving the test results may take several months, we advise you to register for the IELTS or TOEFL several months before starting your application.

It is allowed to send us a copy of your test results, please check the application documents for detailed information.

For EU/EFTA nationals, the English language certificate may be submitted until 1 July provided that all other required hard copy documents are received before the application deadline of 1 April.

Nationals of the Peoples Republic of China only: A Nuffic certificate as proof of your English language proficiency. In order to obtain the Nuffic certificate you will need to take the IELTS or TOEFL internet-based test.

Only nationals from the USA, U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Canada are exempt from the proof of English language proficiency requirement.

4)

A clear and relevant essay in English (2,000 - 3,000 words) addressing the following:

Your motivation for taking the MSc programme of your choice.

Why you wish to pursue this programme abroad and/or in the Netherlands in particular.

Why you are interested in TU Delft.

If there are optional specialisations in the Masters programme of your choice: which specialisation(s) interest you most, and why?

Examples of three Masters thesis topics that interest you and with an explanation of your particular interest.

A brief summary (maximum 250 words) of the thesis work or the final assignment done for your Bachelors programme, including information on the credits earned, grade, and full workload.

5)

Two reference letters in English, French, German or Dutch:

one from from a professor or an assistant professor from the faculty from which you graduated.

one from your employer, if you already have work experience.

If you have not yet graduated, please provide two letters from professors or assistant professors from the faculty at which you are studying.

6)

An extensive résumé (curriculum vitae) written in English.

7)

Proof of identity

8)

Please note:

Applicants for Architecture Urbanism & Building Sciences, Design for Interaction and Integrated Product Design are required to upload a digital portfolio. Please note that only uploaded portfolios will be processed.

Work Experience for Science Education and Communication

No work experience is required.

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Related Programmes

TU Delft cooperates with many other educational and research institutions, both in the Netherlands and abroad. The high quality of our research and teaching is renowned. TU Delft has numerous contacts with governments, trade associations, consultancies, industry and small and medium-sized companies.